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Radiant Based HVAC Systems
Many people assume wrongly that Radiant Based HVAC Systems are mechanical or electrical solutions like floor heating.
However, 'radiant' control is ideally first an architectural solution.
This means the built environment should be the prime solution to controlling the radiant exchange between the occupant and the interior surfaces. This is achieved with building efficiency. The higher the performance in the building envelope the more comfortable the occupant.
This begins to occur when loads are reduced with architectural systems to less than 12 Btu/hr/sf.
Mechanical solutions are then applied to compensate for the buildings short comings.
Therefore, when we use the term Radiant Based HVAC Systems, please understand we are talking about the body’s radiant heat transfer to and from the built environment and controlling it first with architecture then mechanical solutions.
Also understand, radiant mechanical solutions have a major benefit in that they greatly enhance the efficiency of chillers, condensing boilers, solar and heat pumps. So you win when you improve the building and you win when you use radiant heating and cooling.
To see an example of a high performance building with radiant heating and HRV's for ventilation click here.
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